Senator Defects From One Nation Just An Hour After Being Sworn In

Now an independent

Pauline Hanson's Facebook page has issued a statement to confirm that new One Nation senator Fraser Anning has quit the party just after being sworn in.

Senator Anning was sworn in on Monday, but Hanson published a release an hour later explaining why her One Nation colleagues weren't in the escort party.

“Before the citizenship cloud hovered over Malcolm Roberts’ head, I had already approached Fraser Anning to contest the seat of Gladstone in the upcoming Queensland State election. I was of the view at the time, Fraser would be a solid candidate for that electorate,” Senator Hanson said in the statement.

“Mr Anning dismissed the request on the grounds that he and his wife were determined to make a permanent move to the United States to join their two daughters and grandchildren, who own a business venture on the West Coast.

“Prior to the High Court’s decision, I had attempted to speak with Mr Anning while he was overseas, but those efforts fell on deaf ears. I was forced to communicate through Fraser’s brother while I was travelling through North Queensland in September.

“I indicated to Harry Anning at the time, that given the work Malcolm Roberts had achieved as Chair of the banking inquiry and his role in challenging climate change, it would be in the Federal Party’s and Australia’s best interest for Malcolm Roberts to be returned to the Senate.

“I was disappointed Mr Anning made no attempt to contact me or any One Nation executive member off the back of multiple requests to discuss his future plans. Instead he chose to release scathing media releases demanding I pledge my support to him without even meeting or speaking to him.”